Cottage Health and Clearway Health Partner to Enhance Specialty Pharmacy Services
Cottage Health has formed a partnership with Clearway Health, a company specializing in pharmacy services, to develop a comprehensive specialty pharmacy program aimed at improving patient access to medications. The collaboration is designed to provide concierge-level pharmacy support within Cottage Health's specialty outpatient clinics, reducing both the cost and complexity of managing specialty medications. This initiative aligns with Cottage Health's goal of offering personalized care and clear access to essential treatments for patients with chronic conditions.
The primary aim of the program is to streamline the prescription process, alleviating the stress patients often encounter when trying to access specialty medications. By integrating pharmacy services directly within clinical settings, the program assists with essential tasks such as insurance approvals, financial assistance, medication delivery, and ongoing patient support. This proactive approach helps patients manage their treatment more effectively and without unnecessary delays, minimizing administrative hurdles that typically slow down access to critical therapies.
As part of this integration, pharmacists and patient liaisons are embedded within Cottage Health's specialty clinics. These professionals work closely with patients to navigate insurance requirements, secure financial aid, and manage prior authorizations. This hands-on support not only reduces the administrative burden on patients but also helps healthcare providers deliver more efficient care. According to Lisa Moore, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Cottage Health, the integration of pharmacy services directly into the clinics allows the healthcare system to better address the unique challenges posed by specialty medications. This setup ensures that patients receive the therapies they need with fewer barriers and better overall outcomes.
The partnership has already seen practical implementation, starting with the Cottage Cystic Fibrosis Clinic and pediatric clinics. In these settings, patient liaisons are actively involved in helping patients access both specialty and non-specialty medications. This on-site support is especially valuable for conditions that require special handling, administration, and monitoring—such as cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, cancer, and inflammatory conditions. By providing comprehensive support at the point of care, Cottage Health is improving the patient experience and facilitating more consistent medication management.
Clearway Health expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting how their specialty pharmacy servicescomplement Cottage Health's patient-centric model. Allison Arant, senior vice president of client development and marketing at Clearway Health, emphasized that the partnership represents a shared commitment to improving healthcare access and addressing the complex medical needs of patients. Arant praised Cottage Health for choosing to expand its service model and integrating specialty pharmacy solutions, affirming that patients deserve this level of comprehensive care.
Looking ahead, Cottage Health plans to expand the program to include additional specialty clinics within its network. There are also plans to establish an outpatient retail and specialty pharmacy, which will further enhance medication accessibility and convenience. This future expansion reflects the commitment to improving the continuum of care for patients managing chronic or complex health conditions.
By fostering this partnership with Clearway Health, Cottage Health is taking significant steps to ensure that patients not only receive the medications they need but also have access to the necessary support systems to manage their treatments effectively. This initiative demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to integrating pharmacy services within healthcare, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.